Serious question remain unanswered over why the Daly Collection of artworks, including paintings by Paul Henry and Roderic O’Connor, was relinquished by City Hall.
This is the view of Labour city councillor Niall McNelis who said he was “disappointed with the response” by city officials to his questions on the issue, and that their response “raises more questions than it answers”.
Cllr McNelis asked who made the decision to surrender the collection, which had been in storage for a number of years; how the decision was made; and why the city arts officer was not consulted on the matter.
Although he received reasons ranging from costs to insurance, to storage, and repair, no actual amounts that have and would be spent were given.
“Since I first became aware of this loss to Galway city I have been contacted by a number of prominent Galway families who would like to donate art to the city but as we have no municipal gallery they have concerns in doing so,” said Cllr McNelis.
He said City Hall needs to remain serious about establishing a municipal gallery for Galway city. He said: “We must look at the opportunities that can exist in seeking a venue or location.”
